Upping Their Game: Google Play Updates Developer Policies

As far as tablets go, I have always been an Apple iPad user. I love the iPad and enjoy the plethora of apps that are available in the Apple app store.

A few months ago, Google sent over a Google Nexus 7 for me to test out. I loved the size, it was a lot easier to use and adapt to then I thought it would be, it was super fast – but one thing bugged me. The apps for the Google Play app store just didn’t seem to be the quality of the ones you see in the Apple app store. Sure, there were some of the big players that were similar on both platforms, but then there were apps that I liked on the iPad that I tried to find for the Android and only found really sad knock-offs that were poor in quality.

Updated Google Play Developer Program Policies

Google has recently updated it’s Google Play Developer Program Policies. With the update comes new rules for creating more secure and better quality apps. The new rules create stricter guidelines for sexually explicit material, deceptive promotions, ad policies and in-app payment disclosures.

While the old policy included a sexually explicit material restriction, the update goes further with stating that not only can apps on Google Play not be sexually explicit, but also prohibits apps that promote it. Icons and product descriptions must also adhere to this policy.

The in-app payment disclosures immediately made me think of Apple being forced to refund apps to parents when children make purchases without their parent’s permission.

These policies put in place by Google will help make Android a more solid platform with apps that are worth purchasing a device for. The Android platform offers a plethora of devices at affordable prices, which is a huge advantage over Apple. If Google can get this right, maybe they can win over Apple loving fans like myself.

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